Bolthole Index

Davidson County, North Carolina

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Davidson County, North Carolina

45Index Score / 100
#96 of 100 in North Carolina

Unincorporated Davidson County, North Carolina requires building permits for most construction, and county Inspections enforces the North Carolina State Building Code12. County zoning applies outside valid municipal zoning jurisdictions, with rules that vary by district34. High Point issues its own building permits and sets zoning within city limits56. Septic permits remain with Davidson County Environmental Health for land without approved sewer service78.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most covered construction; limited statutory exceptions apply1
Zoning
County zoning outside municipal zoning jurisdictions; district-specific rules34
Septic permit
Required and administered by Davidson County Environmental Health78
RV living
Confirmed only as a temporary use while a damaged home is repaired9
Tiny home
Allowed as a code-compliant dwelling with local permits and zoning approval10
Minimum home size
A zoning or development rule cannot set minimum square footage for a Residential Code structure11
Owner-builder
Available with ownership, affidavit, supervision and occupancy conditions12
Private well
A county health-department construction permit is required13

Who to call

Building permits

Davidson County Inspections / Central Permitting

Building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits, plus modular/manufactured home, demolition, sign, renovation and swimming-pool permits, floodplain ordinance enforcement, for unincorporated Davidson County

336-242-2230

912 Greensboro Street, Lexington, NC 27292

Online permits →

Zoning

Davidson County Planning & Zoning Permits

Zoning permits and questions for residential and commercial projects in unincorporated Davidson County, and the county's comprehensive planning program

336-242-2220

912 Greensboro Street, Lexington, NC 27292

Septic permits

Davidson County Environmental Health

Improvement Permits, Construction Authorizations and Operations Permits for on-site wastewater (septic) systems, and well/septic records requests, in Davidson County

336-242-2310

912 Greensboro Street, Lexington, NC 27292

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Davidson County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Davidson County, North Carolina?

Yes, most construction in unincorporated Davidson County requires the applicable building and trade permits before work begins, including covered construction, alteration, repair, movement and demolition1. Davidson County Inspections reviews plans and issues building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits while enforcing the North Carolina State Building Code214. A limited state-law exception covers qualifying work costing $40,000 or less, but not work affecting load-bearing elements, plumbing design, heating, cooling or electrical design, non-Code materials, added roofing, or Fire Code requirements1. Qualifying nonresidential farm buildings outside a municipality's building-rules jurisdiction can also be exempt, but special conditions apply to some agricultural structures15. Ask Inspections to classify the exact scope before treating either exception as applicable14.

Who issues Davidson County building permits, and how do you apply?

Davidson County Inspections / Central Permitting is at 912 Greensboro Street in Lexington and can be reached at 336-242-223014. County building-permit applications, supporting documents, inspection requests and inspection results run through the county's OpenGov permitting site16. The published residential zoning-compliance permit fee is $25, but the county page says its fee schedule has been effective since 2005, so confirm the current charge with Planning & Zoning before budgeting17. High Point, a city mainly in Guilford County that reaches into Davidson County, issues its own building permits inside city limits5. Septic permitting in the Davidson County portion remains with Davidson County Environmental Health7. North Carolina's owner-builder exception can apply to an owner building on owned land for personal or family occupancy, but it requires a verified affidavit, personal management, inspection attendance in most cases and qualifying occupancy after completion12. The exception concerns contractor licensing; it does not erase the permit or State Building Code requirements, and the building must be occupied by the owner's family for at least 12 months after completion to be presumed qualifying18.

Does Davidson County have zoning?

Davidson County zoning covers unincorporated land outside valid municipal zoning jurisdictions, and county rules vary by district34. High Point, which reaches into Davidson County from Guilford County, sets its own zoning inside city limits; Davidson County Environmental Health still handles septic permits in the Davidson County portion67. County district tables set use and dimensional rules; in the RA-1-2-3 and RS districts, the cited table shows a 30-foot front setback, 10-foot side setback, 20-foot rear setback, 30% maximum lot coverage and 35-foot maximum building height, subject to exceptions and district details192021. North Carolina prohibits zoning or other development regulations from setting minimum square footage for structures governed by the Residential Code, though building, septic, floodplain and safety rules still apply11. Minimum lot size, lot width, setbacks, height and lot coverage for each district come from the ordinance's Table of Area, Height and Placement Requirements22. For residential subdivision lots under county rules, public-sewer lots need at least 30,000 square feet; specified watershed lots generally need 40,000 square feet suitable for septic, with exceptions for qualifying major subdivisions23. Bona fide farm property is exempt from county zoning for farm purposes, but nonfarm uses remain regulated24.

How do septic and well permits work in Davidson County?

Davidson County Environmental Health administers onsite wastewater permitting and applies state sewage-treatment rules7. The county evaluates soil and site conditions for proposed building lots and issues permits for sewage-disposal-system installation258. State law generally requires an Improvement Permit and Construction Authorization before a system is constructed, located, relocated, installed or repaired, with separate engineered and authorized-evaluator options26. An operation permit is required before occupancy or use of the wastewater system27. About 37% of Davidson County soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional drain field, but the parcel evaluation—not the county average—determines what can be approved2825. A private drinking-water well also requires a construction permit from the local health department before drilling13.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Davidson County?

Within Davidson County's zoning jurisdiction, the RV allowance is narrow: the Zoning Administrator may permit an owner-occupant to live temporarily in an RV when the principal home is too damaged to occupy during repair or reconstruction9. That allowance requires a valid repair or reconstruction permit, district setbacks, applicable health and inspection permits, and approved potable water; the initial occupancy limit is 6 months9. We could not confirm a general rule allowing RV residence or temporary camping on otherwise vacant private land, so ask Planning & Zoning about the parcel and proposed duration29. A tiny home used as a permanent dwelling is allowed under state standards only with local building approval, compliant construction, zoning, setbacks and approved sewage disposal10. Davidson County zoning also has a narrow accessory manufactured-home provision for a relative or dependent person needing care; it is not a general accessory-dwelling allowance30.

Building a home in Davidson County: the steps, in order

  1. Identify whether county or municipal zoning controls the parcel, then ask the responsible office for the district and allowed use31.
  2. Confirm setbacks, lot coverage, height and any farm exemption with Davidson County Planning & Zoning when county zoning applies3224.
  3. If the land lacks approved sewer service, obtain the septic approvals from Environmental Health before relying on a house site87.
  4. Secure a private-well construction permit if a new drinking-water well is planned13.
  5. Submit plans and permit applications through OpenGov, then request and track inspections there16.
  6. Complete the required building and septic inspections as work proceeds3327.
  7. After final inspection and water-and-sewage approval, obtain the required occupancy certificate before moving in34.

What should you check before buying land in Davidson County?

Confirm the parcel's zoning jurisdiction and district before making an offer because county and municipal rules differ, and county dimensional limits vary by district and utility service3135. Ask Environmental Health to evaluate the proposed home and septic area rather than relying on countywide soil averages2528. If a division is planned, county subdivision review applies, with published review categories ranging from minor divisions through larger major subdivisions36. A new access easement serving two or more proposed subdivision lots needs NCDOT driveway approval and must be built before the zoning permit37. Ask Inspections about a flood-prone parcel because that office enforces the county floodplain ordinance38; North Carolina guidance says development in a Special Flood Hazard Area, including new buildings, fill and grading, needs a floodplain development permit39. Davidson County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,2624041.

Watch-outs

  • The confirmed Davidson County RV provision addresses temporary occupancy after damage to an existing home, not general RV living on vacant land9.
  • A zoning permit does not authorize occupancy; final inspection plus approval of water and sewage systems comes before the occupancy certificate34.
  • Off-grid sanitation could not be confirmed as a substitute for required plumbing or septic approvals; portable toilets cannot replace permanent facilities where the Building Code requires them42.

Sources

  1. G.S. 160D-1110. Building permits, quoted and re-checked
  2. Inspections / Central Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  3. Davidson Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  4. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  5. High Point: Permits Required (Davidson County), quoted and re-checked
  6. High Point: Development Ordinance (Davidson County), quoted and re-checked
  7. On-Site Water Protection, quoted and re-checked
  8. On-Site Water Protection, quoted and re-checked
  9. Davidson Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  10. Guidelines for Tiny Homes in North Carolina (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. library.ncleg.gov, quoted and re-checked
  12. G.S. 87-1. "General contractor" defined; exceptions. (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Rules Governing the Permitting and Inspection of Private Drinking Water Wells, 15A NCAC 02C .0300 (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Davidson County Inspections / Central Permitting (co.davidson.nc.us)
  15. ncleg.gov, quoted and re-checked
  16. OpenGov, quoted and re-checked
  17. Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  18. North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 1, G.S. 87-1, quoted and re-checked
  19. Davidson Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  20. Davidson Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  21. Davidson Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. Davidson Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  23. Davidson County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  24. G.S. 160D-903. Agricultural uses (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. On-Site Water Protection, quoted and re-checked
  26. G.S. 130A-336. Improvement permit and construction authorization required (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. G.S. 130A-337. Inspection; operation permit required (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Davidson County Planning & Zoning Permits (co.davidson.nc.us)
  30. co.davidson.nc.us, quoted and re-checked
  31. Davidson Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  32. Davidson Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  33. G.S. 160D-1113. Inspections of work in progress. (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  34. Davidson Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  35. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  36. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  37. Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  38. Inspections / Central Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  39. North Carolina Quick Guide: Applying for a Floodplain Development Permit (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  40. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  41. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  42. G.S. 130A-335 PDF, subsection (h) (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Davidson County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleDavidson CountyRowan CountyDavie CountyForsyth CountyRandolph CountyStanly CountyGuilford County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. Health Div.County Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. Health Dept.County Env. Health

County locator

Davidson County in North Carolina

45
County map
Davidson County highlighted among the North Carolina counties · colored by Index score

How Davidson County scores

Seclusion15100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency82100% ev.
Admin Boringness4290% ev.
Durability74100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost74100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$280kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$7,144Land / acre
45"Annual rain
0.4% of yrsSevere drought
8.6 / yr (+7.9)Mid-century 100°F days
14.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.24" (+11.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.37×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,132Home insurance / yr
2% / yrInsurance growth
1.92%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
722,340People within 30 min
8,153,670People within 2 hr
181,677Radius comparison (15 mi)
316People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
83.5%Land at 15% slope or less
37.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
126,663 acWorkable land screen
69.7%Wooded land
64.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
59.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Davidson County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Town of Denton · Town of Midway · Town of Wallburg

Answers from the rulebook for Davidson County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Davidson County rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction subject to the North Carolina State Building Code in Davidson County.

    • The county enforces the state building code through its Inspections Department.
    • State-law exemptions and municipal inspection arrangements may affect particular projects.
    “The Davidson County Inspections Department is authorized by the North Carolina General Statutes to enforce the North Carolina State Building Code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction subject to the North Carolina State Building Code in Davidson County.
      “The Davidson County Inspections Department is authorized by the North Carolina General Statutes to enforce the North Carolina State Building Code.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    A building, structure, or zoning lot for which a Davidson County zoning permit has been issued.

    • Final inspection is required before recommendation.
    • Davidson County Health Department must approve the water supply and sewage disposal systems.
    • Issuance does not waive other ordinance or applicable requirements.
    “A building, structure, or zoning lot for which a Zoning Permit has been issued shall not be used or occupied until the Zoning Administrator has, after final inspection, recommended the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy indicating compliance has been made with all the provisions of this Ordinance.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land within Davidson County zoning districts that is not within a municipality's valid zoning jurisdiction.

    • The county ordinance does not apply to areas validly controlled by municipal zoning jurisdiction.
    • Bona fide farms are exempt from provisions adopted under N.C.G.S. Chapter 160D, Article 7, but non-farm uses of farm property remain subject to the ordinance.
    • Structures and land must conform to the regulations for the applicable zoning district unless otherwise provided.
    “The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to all lands within the areas designated as zoning districts on the official Zoning District Map of Davidson County, other than those areas validly controlled by the zoning jurisdiction of municipalities.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate zoning coverage across Davidson County, where the county regulates areas not validly controlled by municipal zoning jurisdictions and municipalities regulate their own zoning jurisdictions.

    • The county ordinance applies only outside areas validly controlled by municipal zoning jurisdiction.
    • Applicable zoning districts, uses, approvals, and dimensional rules vary by the responsible local jurisdiction and district.
    • Municipal zoning ordinances must be checked for incorporated areas.
    “The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to all lands within the areas designated as zoning districts on the official Zoning District Map of Davidson County, other than those areas validly controlled by the zoning jurisdiction of municipalities.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate countywide conclusion for zoning administered by Davidson County; incorporated municipalities may administer their own zoning rules.
      “Carry out a comprehensive planning program designed to promote and maintain the orderly physical growth and development of Davidson County. Davidson County Zoning Ordinance (PDF) Subdivision Regulations (PDF) Land Development Plan (PDF)”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and their dimensional requirements.

    • The complete ordinance table includes district-specific values and separate on-site septic/well and public-water/sewer entries in some districts.
    “The Davidson County Zoning jurisdiction shall be and hereby is divided into Zoning Districts as described herein.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Davidson County zoning districts and their dimensional regulations.
      “The Davidson County Zoning jurisdiction shall be and hereby is divided into Zoning Districts as described herein.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential subdivision lots within Davidson County's subdivision-regulation jurisdiction; incorporated municipal areas are excluded unless the municipality formally requests County enforcement by resolution.

    • The ordinance excludes lands within a municipality unless that municipality formally requests County enforcement by resolution.
    • Where Davidson County Subdivision Regulations conflict with the Davidson County Zoning Ordinance, the more stringent requirement governs.
    • Lots served by both public water and public sewer require at least 30,000 square feet.
    • Lots served by public sewer but not public water require at least 30,000 square feet.
    • Lots served only by public water and outside watershed areas require at least 30,000 square feet of area suitable for septic-tank-system location and operation.
    • In major subdivisions of 10 or more lots, qualifying lots may be as small as 20,000 square feet if overall density remains one dwelling per 30,000 square feet.
    • Lots in specified Class III or Class IV reservoir/stream watersheds require at least 40,000 square feet of area suitable for septic-tank-system location and operation.
    • In major subdivisions of 10 or more lots in those watersheds, qualifying lots may be as small as 20,000 square feet if overall density remains one dwelling per 40,000 square feet.
    • Water-front lots and lots within 460 feet of the official pond level or mean water level require 100 feet of width at the applicable building line.
    • All lots require at least 90 feet of width at the building line and 35 feet at the street line; corner lots require an additional 10 feet.
    • Lots served only by public water or by neither public water nor sewer require at least 100 feet of building-line width, except cul-de-sacs may use 80 feet.
    • All lots require an average depth of at least 100 feet; single-tier lots require 125 feet; lots served only by public water or by neither public water nor sewer require 175 feet average depth.
    • The ordinance states an effective date of March 7, 1986 and an amendment effective date of January 1, 1994; the individual lot-area amendments are marked August 22, 2022.

    minimum lot area with public water and public sewer: >= 30000 square feet · minimum lot area with public sewer but no public water: >= 30000 square feet · minimum septic-suitable area outside watershed with public water but no public sewer: >= 30000 square feet (Major subdivisions of 10 or more lots may use 20,000 square feet if density remains one dwelling per 30,000 square feet) · minimum septic-suitable area in specified watershed: >= 40000 square feet (Major subdivisions of 10 or more lots may use 20,000 square feet if density remains one dwelling per 40,000 square feet) · minimum lot width at building line: >= 90 feet (Lots served only by public water or by neither public water nor sewer require 100 feet, except 80 feet in cul-de-sacs) · minimum lot width at street line: >= 35 feet (Corner lots require an additional 10 feet) · minimum average lot depth: >= 100 feet (Single-tier lots require 125 feet; certain utility-service conditions require 175 feet)

    “Lots served by both public water and public sewer shall have an area of at least thirty thousand (30,000) square feet. (August 22, 2022)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lots governed by Davidson County zoning districts.
      “Regulations governing the required minimum lot size, minimum lot width, required front, side and rear setbacks, maximum building height and maximum lot coverage for each general district shall be as shown in the Table of Area, Height and Placement Requirements. The following regulations regarding the area, height and placement requirements are to be applied to the standards found in the Table of Area, Height and Placement Requirements.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Required front, side, and rear setbacks in county zoning districts.

    • Setback exceptions and irregular-lot rules apply.
    • Height exceptions may require Board of Adjustment action.
    • The cited table lists RA-1-2-3 and RS at 30-foot front, 10-foot side, and 20-foot rear setbacks.

    RA-1-2-3 and RS front setback: 30 feet · RA-1-2-3 and RS side setback: 10 feet · RA-1-2-3 and RS rear setback: 20 feet

    “RA-1-2-3 On-site Septic/Well Public Water/Sewer 30,000 30,000 30% 100 90 30 10 20 35”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Maximum lot coverage in county zoning districts.

    • The cited table lists 30% for RA-1-2-3 and RS, while other districts have different values.

    RA-1-2-3 maximum lot coverage: 30 percent · RS maximum lot coverage: 30 percent · RM-1 maximum lot coverage: 40 percent · RM-2 maximum lot coverage: 60 percent

    “RM-1 On-site Septic/Well 30,000 40% 100 25 10 20 35”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Maximum building height in county zoning districts.

    • The table lists 35 feet for several residential districts.
    • Height modifications may be granted by the Board of Adjustment for listed appurtenances and are subject to stated criteria and reasonable conditions.
    • Airport zoning height limitations remain applicable.

    RA-1-2-3 maximum building height: 35 feet · RS maximum building height: 35 feet

    “Regulations governing the required minimum lot size, minimum lot width, required front, side and rear setbacks, maximum building height and maximum lot coverage for each general district shall be as shown in the Table of Area, Height and Placement Requirements.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Occupation of a travel trailer or recreational vehicle as a temporary accessory use after a principal residential structure is damaged and cannot be occupied.

    • A temporary accessory-use permit may be granted by the Zoning Administrator.
    • The RV must meet zoning-district setbacks.
    • Occupancy is limited to the owner/occupant.
    • A valid building permit for repair or reconstruction is required upon placement.
    • Applicable Environmental Health and Inspections permits must be obtained.
    • Potable water must come from public water or an approved well.
    • Occupancy is limited to six months, with stated extension provisions.
    • The permit expires upon issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the principal residence; the RV must then be vacated and water and sewer disconnected.

    initial occupancy period: 6 months · extension: up to 3 months, for a maximum of 6 months (if significant progress toward completion can be demonstrated)

    “A temporary accessory use permit may be granted by the Zoning Administrator for occupation of a travel trailer/recreational vehicle in cases where the principal residential structure has been damaged to the extent that it cannot be occupied during the course of repair or reconstruction.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    A Class B or Class C manufactured home used as an accessory use on the same lot as an existing single-family residence.

    • The occupant must be related by blood or marriage to occupants of the existing residence or under their guardianship and require care due to illness, disability, or advanced age.
    • Setbacks, water, sewer/septic, skirting, building-code setup, parking, and no-rental conditions apply.
    • The cited provision is not a general accessory-dwelling rule.
    “The proposed unit is a Class B or Class C manufactured home sited as an accessory use on the same lot with an existing single-family residential structure.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Davidson County Environmental Health administration of onsite wastewater permitting and inspections.

    • The program enforces state laws and rules, so state requirements also apply.
    “This program enforces state laws and rules pertaining to sewage treatment and disposal in order to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of sewage-disposal systems and wastewater projects in Davidson County.

    • The county evaluates soil and site conditions on proposed building lots.
    • The county Environmental Health page lists Improvement Permits and Improvement Permit and Construction Authorization Permits.
    “This is done by evaluating soil and site conditions on each proposed building lot, investigating malfunction complaints, and issuing permits for the installation of sewage disposal systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation of sewage disposal systems in Davidson County.
      “This is done by evaluating soil and site conditions on each proposed building lot, investigating malfunction complaints, and issuing permits for the installation of sewage disposal systems.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision review and land divisions administered under county planning materials.

    • The county planning page lists Subdivision Regulations.
    • The fee schedule distinguishes minor 0-5 lots, minor 6-10 lots, major 11-25 lots, and 25-lots-plus reviews.

    0-5 lots review fee: 0 USD (listed as Free) · 6-10 lots review fee: 100 USD · 11-25 lots review fee: 200 USD · over 25 lots review fee: $200 plus $25 per lot over 25 USD

    “0 - 5 Lots (Minor) Free 6 - 10 Lots (Minor) $100 11 - 25 Lots (Major) $200 25 Lots Plus $200 plus $25/lot over 25”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    New easements giving access to two or more proposed subdivision lots.

    • NCDOT driveway approval is required.
    • The easement must be constructed before receiving a zoning permit.
    “must have driveway approval from the NCDOT”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Structures and development subject to Davidson County floodplain ordinance enforcement.

    • The county inspections department is responsible for enforcement of the Floodplain Ordinance; the opened source did not establish every permit threshold or exemption.
    “We are responsible for the enforcement of the Floodplain Ordinance and the compliance of all structures within the county relative to the Building Code.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published county zoning, subdivision, variance, and related planning fees.

    • The page states the schedule is effective September 6, 2005; no newer fee schedule was established from the opened official page.

    residential zoning compliance permit: 25 USD · non-residential zoning compliance permit: 50 USD · residential zoning map amendment: 200 USD · subdivision review, 25 lots plus: $200 plus $25 per lot over 25 USD

    “The following fees are effective September 6, 2005.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County permitting and inspection requests.

    • Applications, inspection requests, inspection-result checks, and attachment uploads are handled through the county's OpenGov permitting site.
    “Please use the new website to apply for permits, request inspections and check your inspection results.”

North Carolina rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement, removal, or demolition of buildings and structures statewide in North Carolina.

    • A person may not commence or proceed without first securing all permits required by the North Carolina State Building Code and other applicable State or local laws.
    • The requirement is subject to the statutory exceptions in G.S. 160D-1110(c) and G.S. 160D-1110.1(h).
    • For qualifying construction, installation, repair, replacement, or alteration costing $40,000 or less in a single-family residence, farm building, or commercial building, no Article 9 Chapter 143 permit is required if the work complies with the current North Carolina State Building Code, except for listed work involving load-bearing structures, plumbing design, heating or cooling, electrical systems, impermissible materials, roofing additions, or changes subject to the North Carolina Fire Code.
    • A replacement water-heater connection in a one- or two-family dwelling may be exempt only under the statutory licensing, leak-test, capacity, location, fuel, venting, piping, and code-compliance conditions.
    • Specified like-kind electrical-device and lighting-fixture replacements may be exempt only under the statutory same-voltage, same-or-less-amperage, licensing, and code-compliance conditions.
    • The statute also provides specific exemptions for certain electric-power-supplier load-control equipment and other listed activities.

    small-project cost threshold: <= 40000 USD (The exemption does not apply to the listed structural, plumbing-design, HVAC, electrical, impermissible-material, roofing-addition, or Fire Code work.)

    “no person shall commence or proceed with any of the following without first securing all permits required by the North Carolina State Building Code”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement, removal, or demolition of buildings and structures in Davidson County, including county-administered permitting.
      “Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, and subsection (h) of G.S. 160D-1110.1, no person shall commence or proceed with any of the following without first securing all permits required by the North Carolina State Building Code and any other State or local laws applicable to any of the following activities:”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A person, firm, or corporation constructing or altering a building on land it owns in North Carolina, where the building is intended solely for occupancy by that person and family, firm, or corporation after completion, subject to the statutory permit and affidavit requirements.

    • The building must be constructed or altered on land owned by the person, firm, or corporation.
    • The building must be intended solely for occupancy by that person and the person's family, firm, or corporation after completion.
    • The person, firm, or corporation must comply with G.S. 87-14.
    • If the building is not occupied solely by the person and the person's family, firm, or corporation for at least 12 months following completion, the statute presumes there was no qualifying intent.
    • For construction or improvement projects where the cost is $40,000 or more, the permit applicant must furnish satisfactory proof of licensure or exemption before receiving the permit.
    • An applicant claiming this exemption must execute a verified affidavit.
    • The affidavit must attest that the applicant owns the property; for a firm or corporation, the submitting person must be an owner, officer, or member of the owning firm or corporation.
    • The applicant must personally superintend and manage all aspects of construction, and may not delegate that duty to another person who is not licensed under Article 1 of Chapter 87.
    • The applicant must be personally present for all inspections required by the North Carolina State Building Code, unless the building plans were drawn and sealed by an architect licensed under Chapter 83A.
    • The building inspector or other permitting authority must transmit the affidavit to the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, which verifies entitlement to the exemption.
    • If the Board determines the applicant was not entitled to the exemption, the building permit must be revoked pursuant to G.S. 160D-1115.
    • The applicant must furnish proof of workers' compensation insurance as required by Chapter 97.
    • G.S. 87-14 also requires lien-agent information for covered improvements costing $40,000 or more, except for improvements to an existing owner-occupied single-family residence and incidental accessory buildings or structures as specified in the statute.

    construction-cost threshold: >= 40000 USD (G.S. 87-14's permit proof requirement applies to construction or improvements where the cost is $40,000 or more.) · post-completion occupancy period: 12 months (Failure to occupy solely as specified for at least 12 months creates a statutory presumption that qualifying intent did not exist.)

    “(2) Any person, firm, or corporation who constructs or alters a building on land owned by that person, firm, or corporation provided (i) the building is intended solely for occupancy by that person and his family, firm, or corporation after completion; and (ii) the person, firm, or corporation complies with G.S. 87-14.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner, firm, or corporation constructing or altering a building on land it owns, including in Davidson County, when claiming the North Carolina general-contractor licensing exemption.
      “Any person, firm, or corporation who constructs or alters a building on land owned by that person, firm, or corporation provided (i) the building is intended solely for occupancy by that person and his family, firm, or corporation after completion; and (ii) the person, firm, or corporation complies with G.S. 87-14.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Work performed under a North Carolina building permit, inspected by the applicable local inspection department.

    • As permitted work progresses, local inspectors must make as many inspections as may be necessary to determine compliance with applicable State and local laws and permit terms.
    • The inspection rule is subject to the limitation imposed by G.S. 160D-1104(d).
    • For a permit obtained by an owner exempt from licensure under G.S. 87-1(b)(2), no inspection may be conducted without the owner present unless the plans were drawn and sealed by a licensed architect under Chapter 83A.
    “as the work pursuant to a building permit progresses, local inspectors shall make as many inspections thereof as may be necessary”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    Structures subject to the North Carolina Residential Code, including residential dwellings in Davidson County.

    • This statewide prohibition applies to zoning or other development regulations; it does not eliminate other applicable building-code, health, septic, floodplain, subdivision, or safety requirements.
    • The Davidson County Zoning page identifies the county zoning ordinance, but the statewide statute prohibits setting a minimum square footage for structures subject to the North Carolina Residential Code.
    “(c) A zoning or other development regulation shall not do any of the following: (1) Set a minimum square footage of any structures subject to regulation under the North Carolina Residential Code.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny homes intended for use as permanent single-family dwellings in North Carolina.

    • The tiny home must be permitted by the local building official having jurisdiction over the building site.
    • The unit must be of open construction for inspection, unless off-site closed construction is inspected and certified under the North Carolina Modular Construction Program.
    • Applicable local zoning and setback requirements must be met.
    • Applicable community protective covenant requirements must be met.
    • The unit and foundation must comply with the North Carolina State Residential Code, 2018 Edition, Section 101.3.2.10 of the North Carolina Administrative Code.
    • Habitable rooms must have at least 70 square feet, except kitchens, and must be at least 7 feet in every horizontal dimension.
    • Ceilings must be at least 7 feet in habitable spaces, hallways, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.
    • The dwelling unit must have toilet facilities, a kitchen area with a sink, approved sewer or private sewage disposal, heating, compliant means of egress, and energy conservation compliance.
    • If constructed through the NC Modular Construction Program, additional modular-home design and foundation standards apply.
    • If constructed through the HUD Manufactured Housing Construction Program, the unit must contain at least 320 square feet when erected.
    • Units manufactured and certified by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association are recreational vehicles and should be treated as such.

    minimum habitable room area: >= 70 square feet (Kitchens) · minimum habitable room dimension: >= 7 feet · minimum HUD-program floor area when erected: >= 320 square feet (Applies if constructed through the HUD Manufactured Housing Construction Program)

    “Tiny Homes are acceptable as permanent single-family dwellings in North Carolina provided they meet the following minimum requirements.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement and occupancy of manufactured homes under local zoning and development regulations in North Carolina.

    • A local government may not exclude manufactured homes from its entire zoning jurisdiction or exclude them based on the age of the home.
    • A local government may adopt and enforce appearance and dimensional criteria by ordinance, designed to protect property values, preserve community or neighborhood character and integrity, and promote health, safety, and welfare.
    • A local government may designate a manufactured-home overlay district within a residential district; the overlay may not consist of an individual lot or scattered lots and must be a defined area.
    • The statute does not preempt or supersede valid restrictive covenants running with the land.
    • A local government may require installation in accordance with State Fire Marshal Set-Up and Installation Standards, but may not require a masonry curtain wall or masonry skirting for a manufactured home on land leased to the homeowner.
    • Local zoning, building-code, installation, septic, and other applicable approvals still apply.
    “A local government may not adopt or enforce zoning regulations or other provisions that have the effect of excluding manufactured homes from the entire zoning jurisdiction or that exclude manufactured homes based on the age of the home.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Wastewater systems before they are covered, placed into use, or used to authorize occupancy.

    • The local health department must inspect and determine installation or repair complies with the Improvement Permit, rules, and Article 11.
    • An applicant may contract with an Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator for required verifications or inspections and may cover or operate the system after receiving written verification, which must be submitted to the local health department within two business days.
    • A certified Private Compliance Inspector may conduct qualifying compliance inspections when the statutory criteria are met.
    • An operation permit is required before occupancy or placing the wastewater system into use or reuse.
    “until an inspection by the local health department has determined that the system has been installed or repaired”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Chemical and portable toilets and other sanitation arrangements used instead of or alongside permanent wastewater treatment systems.

    • A chemical or portable toilet may be placed where it can be operated and maintained under sanitary conditions.
    • It may not replace or substitute for a water closet or urinal connected to a permanent wastewater treatment system where the North Carolina State Building Code requires that permanent connection.
    • It may supplement a water closet or urinal during periods of peak use.
    • It may not be used as an alternative to repair of a water closet, urinal, or wastewater treatment system.
    • Human waste may be discharged only into a wastewater system approved by the Department under Commission or Environmental Management Commission rules, or at a site permitted under G.S. 130A-291.1.
    “A chemical or portable toilet shall not be used as an alternative to the repair of a water closet, urinal, or wastewater treatment system.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction of private drinking water wells statewide in North Carolina; the permit is issued by the local health department for the county where the well is or will be located.

    • No person may construct a private drinking water well without first obtaining a well construction permit from the local health department.
    • Before issuing the permit, the local health department must conduct a field investigation evaluating topography, landscape position, available space, and potential groundwater-contamination sources on or around the site.
    • The Department, not the local health department, must search DEQ's published inventories for known sources of contamination within 1,000 feet of the proposed well site.
    • The local health department must issue the permit only after determining that the site can be permitted under the rules and must not issue it if groundwater-use restrictions under G.S. 87-88(a) would be violated.
    • The permit must include a site plan showing potential contamination sources and areas suitable for well construction and must reference DEQ inventory documentation and known risks within 1,000 feet.
    • A construction permit must be conditioned on repair or abandonment of improperly abandoned wells on the site.
    • A well permit is valid for five years, but the local health department may revoke, suspend, or revoke it for a material change or rule violation.
    • A Certificate of Completion is required before the private drinking water well may be placed into service.

    contamination-inventory search radius: 1000 feet (The Department searches DEQ's published inventories for known sources of release of contamination.) · well permit validity: 5 years (The local health department may revoke, suspend, or revoke the permit under the stated conditions.)

    “No person shall construct a private drinking water well without first obtaining a well construction permit from the local health department.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Qualifying nonresidential farm buildings, primitive camps, and primitive farm buildings under North Carolina building rules.

    • Building rules do not apply to farm buildings outside the building-rules jurisdiction of any municipality.
    • Inside a municipality's building-rules jurisdiction, the exemption applies to greenhouses and therapeutic equine facilities.
    • The exemption also applies to primitive camps and primitive farm buildings.
    • A farm building means a nonresidential building or structure used for a bona fide farm purpose under G.S. 160D-903(a).
    • Qualifying farm buildings remain subject to specified annual safety inspections for grandstands, bleachers, or other spectator-seating structures.
    • A produce display and sale structure must be no more than 1,000 square feet, open to the public no more than 180 days per year, and certified as a Certified Roadside Farm Market.
    • Certain agricultural storage buildings must be surrounded and adjoined by public ways and yards at least 60 feet wide and must display the required Ag. Exempt placard.

    maximum produce-market area: <= 1000 square feet (Structure must also be open to the public no more than 180 days per year and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a Certified Roadside Farm Market.) · minimum surrounding public ways and yards: >= 60 feet (Applies to qualifying agricultural storage buildings; required Ag. Exempt placard must also be posted.)

    “Building rules do not apply to (i) farm buildings that are located outside the building-rules jurisdiction of any municipality,”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Qualifying farm buildings and agricultural structures in Davidson County outside municipal building-rules jurisdictions, subject to North Carolina law.
      “A building used primarily for the storage of agricultural commodities or products or storage and use of materials for agricultural purposes, whether or not the building is located on the same property where the agricultural commodities or products were produced, provided the building is surrounded and adjoined by public ways and yards, as those terms are defined in the 2018 North Carolina Building Code, of not less than 60 feet in width. The owner of a qualifying building under this sub-subdivision shall post a placard on the front of the building.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Bona fide farm property subject to county zoning, and qualifying bona fide farm property in a city's extraterritorial planning and development regulation jurisdiction.
      “County zoning regulations may not affect property used for bona fide farm purposes;”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Camping and habitation within the boundaries of North Carolina Coastal Reserve components.

    • Camping and habitation are prohibited on Reserve uplands and wetlands except on the uplands at Masonboro Island Reserve.
    • Masonboro Island camping is limited to no more than two consecutive nights.
    • The rule applies to the Reserve components identified in 15A NCAC 07O .0105.

    maximum camping duration at Masonboro Island Reserve: <= 2 consecutive nights (Applies only on the uplands at Masonboro Island Reserve.)

    “Camping or any form of habitation on the uplands or wetlands of the Reserve is prohibited except on the uplands at the Masonboro Island Reserve, where camping is allowed for no more than two consecutive nights.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Permanent dwelling use of recreational park trailers or park model trailers in North Carolina RV parks.
      “Recreational Park Trailer – Permanent Installation: Recreational Park Trailers “cannot be accepted as a permanent dwelling structure in North Carolina” unless the units are dual labeled and “also constructed and labeled under either the NC Modular Construction Program as a single-family modular dwelling or under the Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards as a single family (HUD) manufactured home.””
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    North Carolina counties adopting zoning or subdivision regulations in their county planning and development regulation jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas not subject to municipal planning and development regulation jurisdiction.

    • County powers under Chapter 160D may be exercised throughout the county except in areas subject to municipal planning and development regulation jurisdiction.
    • A county may apply zoning or subdivision regulations to all or part of its county planning and development regulation jurisdiction.
    • The local government's planning and development regulation jurisdiction does not include an area ceded pursuant to an agreement under G.S. 160D-203.
    “(b) Counties. - All of the powers granted by this Chapter may be exercised by any county throughout the county except in areas subject to municipal planning and development regulation jurisdiction. (c) Partial Jurisdiction Regulation in Cities and Counties. - If a city elects to adopt zoning or subdivision regulations, each must be applied to the city's entire planning and development regulation jurisdiction. If a county elects to adopt zoning or subdivision regulations, each may be applied to all or part of the county's planning and development regulation jurisdiction.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    County building-permit requirements and local building-related codes for residential construction in North Carolina, including unincorporated areas.

    • The North Carolina State Building Code applies throughout the State from the time of adoption.
    • Any political subdivision, including a county, may adopt a fire prevention code and floodplain management regulations within its jurisdiction.
    • Local fire-prevention-code provisions may not apply to dwellings subject to the North Carolina Residential Code unless they are prescriptively required by that Code.
    • County jurisdiction for the State Building Code includes all other areas of the county after municipal corporate limits and qualifying extraterritorial jurisdiction are excluded.
    • Local codes or regulations, other than floodplain management regulations and regulations permitted by G.S. 160D-1128, require official approval by the responsible Code Council before becoming effective.
    • Construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement, removal, or demolition of a building or structure generally requires permits before work begins, subject to the statutory exceptions in G.S. 160D-1110(c) and G.S. 160D-1110.1(h).
    “(e) Effect upon Local Codes. - Except as otherwise provided in this section, the North Carolina State Building Code shall apply throughout the State, from the time of its adoption. Approved rules shall become effective in accordance with G.S. 150B-21.3. However, any political subdivision of the State may adopt a fire prevention code and floodplain management regulations within its jurisdiction. Provided a political subdivision shall not adopt local fire prevention code provisions which apply to dwellings subject to the North Carolina Residential Code which are not prescriptively required by the North Carolina Residential Code. The territorial jurisdiction of any municipality or county for this purpose, unless otherwise specified by the General Assembly, shall be as follows: Municipal jurisdiction shall include all areas within the corporate limits of the municipality and extraterritorial jurisdiction areas established as provided in G.S. 160D-202 or a local act; county jurisdiction shall include all other areas of the county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — North Carolina statutory authority for counties to administer building-code inspections and require permits for residential construction in county planning and development regulation jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas outside municipal jurisdiction.
      “The duties and responsibilities set forth in subsection (a) of this section include the receipt of applications for permits and the issuance or denial of permits, the making of any necessary inspections in a timely manner, the issuance or denial of certificates of compliance, the issuance of orders to correct violations, the bringing of judicial actions against actual or threatened violations, the keeping of adequate records, and any other actions that may be required in order adequately to enforce those laws.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer utility connection requirements in Davidson County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Davidson County, North Carolina

Is Davidson County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Davidson County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: strong self-sufficiency basics: 45″/yr rainfall plus 69.7% wooded land and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 722,340 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in Davidson County, North Carolina?

Davidson County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Davidson County Environmental Health Division. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Davidson County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Davidson County is limited to specific cases: Occupation of a travel trailer or recreational vehicle as a temporary accessory use after a principal residential structure is damaged and cannot be occupied. A temporary accessory-use permit may be granted by the Zoning Administrator. The RV must meet zoning-district setbacks. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Davidson County, North Carolina?

Land in Davidson County runs about $7,144 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Davidson County?

Davidson County gets about 45" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.4% of years.

How remote is Davidson County?

A representative private-land location has about 722,340 people within a 30-minute drive and 8,153,670 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Davidson compares in North Carolina

Compare side-by-side →See all 100 North Carolina counties ranked →